Anti-aging potential of extracts from Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst and its chemical profiling by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Abstract

BackgroundDegradation of components of the extracellular matrix such as elastin and collagen by elastase and collagenase accelerates skin aging. Phytochemicals that inhibit the activity of these enzymes can be developed as anti-aging ingredients. In this study, an investigation of the anti-aging properties of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst (Marula) extracts was conducted in vitro with the aim of developing chemically characterized anti-aging ingredients.MethodsMarula stems, leaves and fruits were extracted using methanol:dichloromethane (DCM) (1:1). The stems were later extracted using acetone, ethanol, methanol:DCM (1:1) and sequentially using hexane, DCM, ethyl acetate and methanol. The stem ethanol extract was defatted and concentrated. Elastase and collagenase inhibition activities of these extracts and Marula oil were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The chemical profile of the ethanolic stem extract was developed using Ultra-performance-liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) with MassLynx software. Pure standards were used to confirm the identity of major compounds and were screened for anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activity.ResultsMarula stems extracts were the most active as they exhibited anti-elastase activity comparable to that of elafin (> 88%) and anti-collagenase activity as potent as EDTA (> 76%). The leaf extract had moderate anti-elastase activity (54%) but was inactive agains collagenase. Marula fruits and oil exhibited limited activity in both assays. The ethanolic extract of Marula stems was the most suitable based on its acceptability to the cosmetic industry and its anti-collagenase activity (99%). Defatting and concentration improved its antiaging activity and lowered the colour intensity. Six compounds have been tentatively identified in the chemical profile of the ethanolic extract of Marula stems of which four; quinic acid, catechin, epigallocatechin gallate and epicatechin gallate have been confirmed using pure standards. Epigallocatechin gallate and epicatechin gallate were as potent (p < 0.05) as EDTA at 5 μg/ml in the anti-collagenase assay.ConclusionsThe ethanolic extract of Marula stems can be developed into an anti-aging ingredient as it exhibited very good in vitro anti-aging activity and its chemical profile has been developed. Epicatechin gallate and epigallocatechin gallate contribute to the anti-aging activity of Marula stem ethanol extract.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-018-2112-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Premna odorata: Seasonal Metabolic Variation in the Essential Oil Composition of Its Leaf and Verification of Its Anti-Ageing Potential via In Vitro Assays and Molecular Modelling

“…It plays a pivotal role in maintaining the elasticity, flexibility and strength of the dermal tissue as well. Meanwhile, it is degraded by collagenase enzymes, so prohibition of the collagenase enzyme perfectly retards pre-collagen fibres formation with subsequent inhibition to the wrinkling process [ 14 , 15 ]. In addition, elastin constitutes a protein that exists in connective tissue and carries the responsibility of keeping the skin elastic that is degraded by intracellular elastase enzymes that upon elevation, either by age or continual exposure to UV-radiation, leads to ageing.…”

Activity of catechins and their applications

“…BP-4, a soluble UVB filter, can stabilise EGCG to produce effective anti-oxidants. Catechin preparations made with lipid ingredients are less stable in heat, so it is necessary to Gallego et al 2017, Spizzirri et al 2009, Nadim et al 2014, Feng et al 2014, Feng et al 2013, Zhong and Shahidi 2011, Muhammad et al 2014, Li and Seeram 2018, Choi et al 2018, Shoko et al 2018, Lima et al 2016 UV protection Improve the stability of catechins in sunlight and increase the UV protection effect Zhang et al 2016, Yoshino et al 2013, Niu et al 2017, Huang et al 2007, Martincigh and Ollengo 2016, Parisi et al 2012, Kim et al 2012, Xia et al 2005 Anti-microbial activities Demonstrates anti-microbial activity and develops pharmaceuticals and functional cosmetics de Oliveira et al 2017, Aoshima et al 2009, Goyal et al 2017 Anti-allergenic and antiinflammatory activities…”

“…The ethanol extract of the marula tree is very effective in boosting activities in vitro. ECG and EGCG in marula tree extract contribute to anti-ageing activities (Shoko et al 2018). Cocos nucifera bark showed anti-oxidant and anti-depressant activities through oxidative alterations in the prefrontal cortex (Lima et al 2016).…”

Schisandra chinensis bee pollen’s chemical profiles and protective effect against H2O2-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes

“…High-performance liquid chromatography combined with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for determining the structures of interesting compounds because of its complementary capacity to provide accurate molecular weights and structural information. Numerous medicinal and edible plants have been tested via this technique to disclose their chemical components [19][20][21][22]. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC) can offer high linear velocities and ultrahigh resolution within a short period of time with little organic solvent consumption.…”